Opinions from inside the Beltway

“Heroism is found not only on the fields of battle”

I have to admit, more often than not I am critical of our government system, of the political infighting, of the motive for power or money that seems to drive those within the Beltway, of the inflammatory rhetoric you often hear in politicians’ rants. Every so often something makes me stop and realize how proud I am to be a part of this nation and tonight was one of those moments.

President Obama has just finished his memorial speech in Tucson. I found myself applauding and rising to give him a standing ovation along with all of the others in the audience. I found tears in my eyes at his descriptions of those that died, of those that were injured, of those that rose above themselves to be heroes.

I wrote an earlier blog, “Reactions to Tucson” for AAUW covering my initial reactions to the events in Tucson that found Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords shot along with 19 others, six who died. Now I find myself compelled to write again — not about the violence of the action, of the issue of gun control or politicians finding themselves needing to blame whomever, but of our President whose speech I think I will print and post somewhere to keep me reminded that a positive attitude, an inspirational message is better than all the excuses or anger put together.

The New York Times has posted the entire text of the speech, take a moment to read it or see a YouTube version once it’s up. Think I’ll just list some of those comments that hit home with me. Thank you, Mr. President:

“Heroism is here, all around us, in the hearts of so many of our fellow citizens, just waiting to be summoned – as it was on Saturday morning.”

“But at a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized – at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently than we do – it’s important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds.”

“If this tragedy prompts reflection and debate, as it should, let’s make sure it’s worthy of those we have lost. Let’s make sure it’s not on the usual plane of politics and point scoring and pettiness that drifts away with the next news cycle.”That process of reflection, of making sure we align our values with our actions – that, I believe, is what a tragedy like this requires.”

“I want us to live up to her (Christina Green) expectations. I want our democracy to be as good as she imagined it. All of us – we should do everything we can to make sure this country lives up to our children’s expectations.”

“Every so often something makes me stop and realize how proud I am to be a part of this nation and tonight was one of those moments.”

That says it all – and, like the rest of what is, in every way, a top-quality piece, CJ – says it very, very well.

I “watched” on Yahoo in my Home Office on another 37C (nearly 100F) day down here and was much moved by what I heard and saw.

There were a number of truly significant messages in our President’s outstanding delivery; I only hope that the knowingly destructive Tea Party and other Right Wing extremists heard these messages very loud and very clear – and will take heed.

“All of us – we should do everything we can to make sure this country lives up to our children’s expectations.”

Thanks, I hope the civility lasts between people, let alone parties. I find myself checking in on “Gabby” via the internet daily and keeping my fingers crossed she continues on the path (a “miracle” one of her doctors called it today) toward wellness.